Last Friday, the Ontario government announced its legislation plan for the legalization of marijuana. The plan includes the proposed minimum age requirements, an LCBO-style stand-alone store for the purchase of marijuana, as well as the legality of dispensaries. Ontario is committing to a safe and sensible framework to govern the lawful use and retail of recreational cannabis as a carefully controlled substance within the province.

Quick Facts

Ontario is the first province or territory in Canada to publicly announce a comprehensive plan to regulate federally legalized cannabis.

The government recently made changes allowing police to immediately remove drivers from the road who they believe are impaired by drugs, including cannabis.

According to a 2015 report by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 45 per cent of Ontario adults have used cannabis at least once in their lifetime, while about 15 per cent have used cannabis in the past year.

In eight U.S. states that have legalized cannabis, the minimum age for sale has also been aligned with the minimum age of alcohol consumption.